Carlos Alcaraz admits he had doubts about playing in Tokyo after injury scare: “I need matches in my bag”
ATP
Carlos Alcaraz returns to Tokyo as the defending champion, but the circumstances surrounding his second appearance at the Japan Open are very different from those of his debut last year. The Spaniard arrives after another interruption to his season and with a clear objective beyond simply defending the title.
Alcaraz missed more than four months because of a right wrist injury before returning at the US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals. He then travelled to London for the Laver Cup, adding another competitive match to a comeback that is still taking shape.
His week in New York ended with a five-set defeat to Ben Shelton, while his Laver Cup campaign produced one of the most dramatic matches of the event. Alcaraz saved two match points before beating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 13-11 in the deciding match tiebreak.
Now he has moved directly to Tokyo, where he will begin his title defence against Alex Michelsen. The Spaniard says the wrist is responding well, but the bigger priority is to accumulate matches and rediscover the rhythm that comes only through competition.
Alcaraz remembers the injury scare behind his Tokyo title
Alcaraz's first experience of the Japan Open could hardly have been more complicated. He rolled his ankle during the opening games of his first match and was immediately unsure whether he would be able to continue, let alone make a run through the tournament.
“Well, it was a great run last year. Obviously, a tricky one, a challenging one. In the first three or four games of the first match, I rolled my ankle. I had doubts about if I was able to play, if I was able to continue playing that match, if I was able to play the next match.”
The injury did not stop him. With the help of his team and physiotherapist, Alcaraz managed to stay on court throughout the week and eventually won the title on his Tokyo debut.
“So it was tricky and, you know, in all the challenges that are coming to me, I'm trying to do my best always. I just have the best team, the best physio. I did everything to be fit and be safe, you know, to play well in the tournament. I ended up lifting the trophy in my debut here.
“It was a great week and great memories from last year.”
A year later, Alcaraz has another reason to value simply being back on court. His wrist has limited his season considerably, and Tokyo represents another opportunity to build competitive minutes rather than rely solely on training.
“I need matches in my bag”
The 23-year-old's latest test came at the Laver Cup, where he faced Fritz in a high-pressure singles match and survived two match points before prevailing in the deciding tiebreak. It was precisely the kind of competitive situation Alcaraz needed after his long absence.
“And obviously, the Laver Cup was a great experience. It's a fun event, fun tournament, great few days with the best players in the world. So I was really happy to be part of it once again.”
The event also gave him another chance to test the wrist against the highest level of competition. “And obviously, it's a great test, you know, playing with the best and practicing with the best, playing great matches, doubles. So it's a great test for my body, which responded pretty well for the next tournament.”
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That response has given Alcaraz enough confidence to continue his schedule in Tokyo rather than wait for another opportunity. “It's getting better. Every practice, every day, I'm feeling better and better, which is great. I'm really looking forward to playing here, another tournament.”
What he wants now is less complicated than defending the trophy itself. “I think I need matches in my bag. I need competition rhythm and I'm getting used to it again. So I'm really excited about it.”
Alcaraz will therefore begin his title defence against Michelsen with a familiar trophy waiting at the end of the tournament, but a different target in mind. After the long interruption to his season, the Japan Open offers another chance to turn promising signs in practice into the competitive rhythm he says he needs.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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